a. Signs and Symptoms. Includes a slight fever that may last from 1 to 7 days
(usually 3 to 5 days), nonproductive and dry cough, headache, nasal
stuffiness/congestion, chills, generalized body aches and pain, and occasionally nausea
and diarrhea.
b. Treatment. Includes mild analgesic--ASA for aches, pains, and headaches;
fluids and bedrest.
c. Preventive Measures.
(1)
Immunization. Flu vaccine.
(2)
Isolation. Recommended for highly susceptible patients.
(3) Referral. Refer patient to higher level of medical care if condition
deteriorates (same complaint or no improvement upon return visit).
5-8.
TONSILLITIS AND STREP THROAT
a. Definitions.
(1) Tonsillitis. A painful inflammatory disease caused by bacteria or viruses
that infect one or both of the tonsils. The highest incidence is people between the ages
of 10 to 40 years old.
(2) Strep throat (septic sore throat, acute streptococcal pharyngitis, and
acute streptococcal tonsillitis). An infectious disease that affects the membranes of the
throat and tonsils. It spreads from person to person through droplets of moisture
sprayed from the nose and mouth.
b. Signs and Symptoms.
(1)
Sore throat--classic symptom.
(2)
Pain while swallowing.
c. Treatment. Includes rest, fluids, mild analgesic--ASA, light diet--mostly
liquids.
(3)
Fever/chills.
(4)
Headache.
MD0550
5-10